Caribbean / Puerto Rico
The Water Club    

We can't believe we're actually recommending a beach hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico! But we are. The Water Club (www.waterclub.com) right on Isla Verde beach is a place we'd return, even if it is in an area of otherwise dismal buildings. It's the perfect spot for a long, fun weekend or a great stopover on your way to other Caribbean destinations.

The Water Club's atmosphere is cool, white & very hip, not luxurious. The theme of water is everywhere. The young staff is friendly & suitably good-looking (but thankfully without an "attitude"). Service is very good, especially considering the crowd-scene that sometimes prevails.

Overall spaces are small, including rooms. Go for oceanfront, not oceanview & request mid-level floors (4th or 5th) for most quiet. Room décor is neutral-modern. The layout is compact but interesting. Bathrooms are sufficient but will be better after ongoing renovations are complete. The focal point, the ultra comfortable bed, is situated diagonally in the center of the room. There are extra pillows, plenty of towels & we liked the hotel’s brand of toiletries. Our only real complaint was the closet space. And we could have done without the venetian blinds (drapes are enough).

Quirky touches give The Water Club its "hip" rating: A doorknob tag that says “Don’t even think about it” to housekeeping. A glass note board for listing "your desires" to the staff. Roofless elevators. Neon lighting (though a bit much in the fitness room). And walls of rushing water in elevators & hallways.

The rooftop Wet Bar is great for eating, hanging out & evening cocktails. The view over the beach (in our picture here) is terrific. There's also a small outdoor pool, huge daybeds for lounging & a sushi bar. Downstairs the hotel’s “Tangerine” restaurant serves good "fusion" food at upscale prices in a simple yet stylish setting.

We didn’t realize the extent of the party atmosphere at The Water Club until we were well-immersed into its pleasures. The hotel draws a huge, young San Juan crowd, beyond its mostly young guests. Everyone stays up really late here, especially on weekends. The loud club music zaps you into party-mode, but could get on your nerves after awhile, especially if you're trying to have a conversation. That's when it's time-out to head to Old San Juan for a late dinner (see recommendations below). Thankfully guestroom air conditioners are able to drown-out most noise when you're off to bed later.

Finally, with all the negatives you can think of about a public city beach, the beach right outside The Water Club really surprised us... a fine stretch with Palm trees for shade & good swimming. The hotel’s beach service took good care of us all day: setting up loungers, giving us fresh towels & delivering food & drinks pronto.

The Water Club wouldn’t be our choice for an extended or relaxing Caribbean vacation, nor would we recommend it for children, if you must have luxury or lots of room space. Those in older age brackets or those at any age who can't get into a "young hip scene" should look elsewhere, too. But for Islandstylebook, The Water Club was perfect for a few nights of fun & chilling out on the beach.

BEST REASONS TO GO...

*1 easy flight from NYC.

*No rental car needed.

*Lively, party atmosphere right on hand.

*Beautiful beach right outside the door.

*Reasonable room rates (though food & drink can add-up).

*No Euro currency to deal with.

*Staff that really cares (including Kevin, LLada & Luis).

*Old San Juan close-by for good dining, such as:

"Blend"....main courses tapas-style. Sleek, modern, relaxing. (Eclectic)

"Aguaviva"...open kitchen, jelly-fish chandeliers, lively crowd. (Seafood)